My Genealogy Hound

W. S. ROBBINS & BRO. The old truth, which has been happily expressed in the saying that “every man is the architect of his own fortune,” is perhaps nowhere more decidedly manifest than in the history of this well known firm of Raubsville. From a small beginning they have worked their way to a foremost position among the business men of Northampton County. In 1889 they embarked in the manufacture of carriages, and now have a good trade in that line, selling the best grades of phaetons, surreys, buggies, road and express wagons, carts, sleighs, dray and delivery wagons. The products of the factory are of the highest grade, combining good quality and thorough construction with perfect style and finish.

In addition to the above enterprise the firm is engaged in the manufacture of lime, their works having a capacity of one thousand bushels daily. In this department eight men are employed in summer, and from twelve to fifteen during the winter, while in the carriage works steady employment is given to eight men. In the mercantile business they also have a large trade and several employes. Here may be found a varied assortment of dry goods, groceries, hardware, and everything carried in a first-class country store, besides flour, feed and coal. They have a large trade throughout the surrounding country, both in their dry-goods house and carriage factory. In the lime works orders are filled from any part of the country, and in 1894 about two hundred and eighty carloads were shipped, the business enjoying a steady increase.

The members of the firm, William S. and John K. Robbins, are natives of New Jersey, the former born in Warren County, and the latter in Hunterdon County. In 1880, with other members of the family, they came to Northampton County and settled at Raubsville, Williams Township, where their mother still resides. William S., when sixteen years of age, began to learn the carriage-maker’s trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of three years, and subsequently worked one and a-half years under instruction. John K., the younger brother, began to clerk in the mercantile house of Jacob Lesh, at Raubsville, in 1887, remaining with that gentleman about one year. Then, in partnership with his brother, he organized the firm that has since enjoyed a lucrative business.

Politically the brothers are Democrats. In religious belief they are members of the Lutheran Church, to the support of which they are active contributors. William S. married Lizzie M. Angell, who bore him three children, Lavina, John and Esther. The lady whom John K. married was known in maidenhood as Laura Kugler, and one child, Ruth, blesses their union.

The success which the firm of W. S. Robbins & Bro. has gained is due to their energy, perseverance and excellent business judgment. They are progressive, quick to discern an opportunity, and equally quick to take advantage of it. They are reliable in business transactions, invariably honest and upright in dealings, and have gained the confidence of the people with whom they have business relations.